Multiply the force during every press on your brake pedal with a performance brake booster.
Your enthusiasm about automobiles is probably giving you real pride in owning a seamless ride. But, you must know it's not all about acceleration and thrust but also about the power to stop graciously anytime the need arises. You need a powerful brake booster to ensure that the brake fluid is properly transmitted to the master cylinder all the way down to the brake lines and calipers. As long as this is maintained, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are traveling with safety.
Most modern automobiles are already equipped with a power brake booster. One type is the brake vacuum booster that works each time you step on the pedal. The amount of force your foot exerts is multiplied to as much as four times, just perfect for stopping something as huge and heavy as your automobile. However, the efficiency of your stop will still depend on various brake booster parts. The more effective they are, the better.
Even simple brake booster damage can imperil your driving safety, so don't be caught in the middle of the road without an efficient one to back your drive. In case you are encountering problems when stopping or slowing down, one of the brake parts you need to check is the booster, aside from the pads, rotors, and calipers. If there are signs of brake fluid leaks, simply tighten the fittings with a wrench to correct the problem. If a replacement is needed, be sure to get a reliable one.

Important Facts You Need to Know About Brake Booster

Summary

The brake booster is a braking aid component that reduces the amount of pedal pressure required for braking.

Important Facts You Need to Know About Brake Booster

Do you ever stop and wonder why it's so easy to stop your vehicle? Well, if you did, then you probably know that you have a lot to thank your vehicle's brake booster for. Located at the back of the engine compartment on the driver's side, the brake booster is a black canister that contains a valve a diaphragm. As you step on the brake pedal, a valve in the canister opens to allow high-pressure air in. The increased pressure allows the rod connected to the brake pedal to push on the master cylinder more easily. The brake booster amplifies foot pressure applied to the brake pedal so that the amount of foot pressure required to stop even the biggest vehicle is minimal. So if you're finding it hard to activate your vehicle's brakes, you might need a new brake booster. Luckily, you are now at

Brake Boosters: Your Two Main Options

A brake booster's main function is to intensify the pressure that you put on the pedal for the whole braking system to work until it stops the car. Basically, its job starts the moment you step on the brake pedal. Now, if you notice that the pedal depresses all the way to the floor with little or no resistance when you step on it, chances are you have a deteriorating brake booster. Replace it right away. Here, check out what your two main options are:

Vacuum brake booster

In essence, this type of booster uses air pressure. Inside a booster are two chambers that are divided by a diaphragm. When you're driving the car and you're stepping on the gas pedal, these chambers are clear of air because the vacuum sucks everything out. By the time you step on the brake pedal, you activate the valve that allows air outside the engine to enter the chambers. The harder you step on the pedal, the more air pressure you put to the chambers.

So, what are the pros and cons of this type? Well, the advantage of this is that in case your car stalls and engine fails, this can still work. The valve can still ensure that air only comes in when you step on the pedal. However, you have to really push the pedal harder if you want it to work.

Hydraulic brake booster

This mechanism works best in diesel-powered engines. Inside these engines, there is a steering pump that generates fluid pressure from the liquid that circulates around it. All of this air pressure is stored in the accumulator. When you step on the brake pedal, air pressure is released.

As for its advantage, it's actually more commonly used these days since modern cars use this technology. Its braking force is also stronger, and it can generate pressure ranging from 1,000 to 2,000psi. However, you have to keep in mind that this one relies so much on power steering and uses up a lot of electric energy in making the brakes work. Because the system works that way, there is a tendency for this booster to decrease horsepower.

How to Replace a Brake Booster

There is no specific time frame that you should follow to know when you should be changing your car's brake booster. In most cases, high-quality brake boosters can last up to 30 years or more. Sometimes though, it can wear out earlier due to several factors like oil leaks from the master cylinder, worn-out brake pads, or broken diaphragm. When the brake booster is damaged, you can feel that stepping on the pedal seems hard and you need to apply more force on it just to stop the car. You can also hear some hissing noise from the brake pedal when braking. To eliminate these driving troubles, brake booster replacement is needed ASAP.

Difficulty level: Moderate

You need the following tools:

Socket wrench

Tube nut wrench

Pliers

New brake booster

Pen marker

Step 1: Disconnect the brake lines. You have to understand that the entire brake system is composed of several parts. First thing you have to do is to detach each part from one another. You may start with removing the brake lines from the master cylinder. Locate the brake lines. They are usually at the back of the master cylinder. Once you find them, use the tube nut wrench then place it on the cylinder over the brake lines. Slowly remove each line by turning the wrench counterclockwise. For each brake line you remove, use a pen to mark it, to make it easy for you to identify each when you are placing them back.

Step 2: Take out the master cylinder. After you disconnect all the brake lines, remove the master cylinder completely from the housing. Place it on a clean, dry place. You can also check the cylinder to see if there is any damage.

Step 3: Remove the brake booster. The brake booster is connected to the brake pedal. Use your pliers to remove the pins that attach the booster to the brake pedal. After that, use the socket wrench to unfasten the bolts that hold the brake booster to the car's engine.

Step 4: Place the new brake booster to its place. Put the bolts back to secure the brake booster. Reconnect the brake booster to the diaphragm, the engine and the brake pedal. Get the master cylinder and put it in its original position then attach the brake line one by one following the marks you made. Viola! You're done!